With their bright plumage and cheerful song, the parakeet can be an attractive and lively companion for you. The parakeet that is commonly kept belongs to the family Melopsittacus undulatus and is a kind of grain-eating parrot, long tail and small in size. Although they are relatively easy to care for, parakeets require a clean environment, proper food, social interaction, and mental stimulation.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Parakeet
Step 1. Decide whether you want to keep a classic Budgerigar parakeet or choose one of the 100 unique types of parakeets
Consider the Alexandrine parakeet, Indian Ringneck, black-tailed, or other type of parakeet in your area. Budgerigars or Budgies parakeets are native to Australia so this species may not be too expensive for Australians looking to keep parakeets. Other parakeet species are native to South America, Africa and Asia, but can also be kept as long as the environment and supporting equipment (such as toys) are appropriate.
Step 2. Choose a seller or cultivator who has a good reputation
As with any other pet, you need to make sure you buy your parakeet from a reputable parakeet seller or breeder. You can also look at reviews about the seller or cultivator on the internet for additional information. When visiting the store, take a look at other bird collections and check if the birds are kept in clean and spacious cages, have plenty of room to move around, appear calm and well cared for.
Make sure that the birds in the cage are not crowded when perched, and check that the birds are fed a clean and healthy diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables
Step 3. Look for a parakeet that is lively and has clear eyes
Make sure that there is no dry skin around the bird's beak and that the anus is clean (also known as a vent). A dirty parakeet's anus is an indication that the bird has digestive problems. Don't choose a parakeet that looks lethargic, doesn't want to move and is mostly silent under the cage.
Make sure the bird you choose looks healthy, strong, and gets enough food. You may need to visit the shop at a different time of the day to see how the birds are. Usually parakeets take a nap and when they wake up from sleep, they will look a bit lethargic. But it is natural to happen
Step 4. Consider buying a pair of parakeets as parakeets are sociable animals
They love to live with their partner or with their group. If you're only buying a parakeet, make sure you can make time for your parakeet so that his social needs are met and he doesn't feel lonely.
If you buy several parakeets, make sure that they stay in a cage with other birds of the same kind. In other words, don't mix them with other birds
Step 5. Take your new pet parakeet to the vet
Even if your parakeet looks healthy, they often don't show any symptoms until they are really sick. That's why it's a good idea to take your parakeet to a vet before it gets really sick. Your parakeet will likely be tested for the infectious bacteria psittacosis, which can be dangerous for you and your family. In addition, your parakeet will also be checked for parasites inside or outside its body, fungi (including Macrorhabdus fungus) and several other types of bacteria.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Cage
Step 1. Purchase a cage that is the right size for your parakeet
The cage must be at least 46 cm x 61 cm x 61 cm, but if available buy the largest cage (or the largest cage you can buy). Try to choose an elongated cage because parakeets tend to fly in a horizontal direction rather than high (vertical).
Step 2. Choose a cage with a stainless steel or non-galvanized steel frame (not zinc coated)
Metals such as zinc, brass, or lead are toxic to parakeets, so as much as possible avoid choosing a cage with a metal frame. Also, never use a corroded cage or peeling paint.
Step 3. Choose a cage that has horizontal bars
Parakeets love to climb, so with the horizontal bars, your parakeet can perch on the horizontal bars and jump onto the horizontal bars above them. Try to keep the distance between one vertical iron bar and another vertical bar less than 2.6 centimeters to avoid the risk of your parakeet's head getting stuck in the gap between the two bars.
Step 4. Line your parakeet's cage to keep the cage clean
You can use paper towels or plain paper. You can use other paper options, but it is recommended not to use newsprint (or paper with printed writing or images). If the paper mat already looks dirty, throw it away and replace it with new paper.
Step 5. Prepare food bowls and drinking containers for birds
You can attach the food bowl and drinking container to the cage frame so that they are not under the cage to avoid contamination of food and drink by bird droppings.
If you keep more than one bird in a cage, provide a separate feeding area for each bird so that the stronger, dominant bird doesn't drive away other birds who also want to eat
Step 6. Provide a branch to perch in your parakeet's cage
The wooden branches of fruit trees are suitable as a place to perch. Choose a branch with a diameter large enough so that when perching, your parakeet will not experience difficulties because the diameter of the branch is too small from the grip of its feet. Make sure the branch has a diameter of about 1 centimeter. You can use woody branches from apple, plum, pear, or cherry trees. Besides being safe to peck at, the woody branches of these trees can also help trim your parakeet's toenails because of their rough surface.
Some cages have a wooden cylinder that serves as a place for birds to perch. However, usually the wooden cylinder is not designed properly. Often the diameter is too small for birds to perch comfortably
Step 7. Provide toys in the cage
The parakeet is an animal that has a cheerful mind and high curiosity. In addition, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. Place a selection of toys in the cage to give your parakeet something to play with. Usually the favorite toys for parakeets are mirrors, bells, or ladders to climb on.
Your parakeet needs toys to keep him healthy and entertained. If your parakeet is bored, it may scream or make a loud noise
Step 8. Find a place to put your parakeet cage in a room where you usually spend your time
This is done to ensure that your parakeet has friends and doesn't feel lonely. Parakeets feel comfortable when they have a quiet, covered place to rest, so it's a good idea to keep the cage close to a wall. This is preferred by parakeets because at least one side of the cage is covered. Do not place the cage near a window or door where direct sunlight or airflow can enter the cage as parakeets are very susceptible to temperature changes.
Never put your parakeet cage in the kitchen. Steam from cooking oil or fumes from frying pans can be toxic to your parakeet and make him sick
Step 9. Clean the entire cage periodically
Changing the base of the cage alone is not enough to keep the cage clean, therefore you need to clean all parts of the cage. Use soap and water to clean them, especially after you've tucked food through the crevices of the cage.
Part 3 of 3: Daily Care
Step 1. Provide pellets as the main food for your parakeet
Although seeds are commonly eaten in the wild by parakeets, they are also a source of bacterial infections that can be harmful to the health and longevity of your parakeet. The bacteria in your parakeet can grow and increase in number over time, so you may want to consider replacing 60 to 70 percent of your parakeet's diet with pellets. When changing your parakeet's diet, from grains to pellets, your parakeet may initially be reluctant to eat the pellets given. However, 90 percent of parakeets eventually ate the pellets given after two weeks. You can follow the steps below so that the replacement of food ingredients for your parakeet goes well:
- Feed your parakeet only in the morning and evening, for one hour only.
- In addition to the two times mentioned above, give pellets as their food.
- In general, the 10 percent of parakeets who refused to eat pellets after two weeks of experimentation were eventually able to switch to pellets after a period of time returning to grain.
Step 2. Supplement your parakeet with a mix of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables
As with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables should be given a variety, such as cabbage, beets, green beans, carrots, parsley, cooked sweet potatoes, apple slices, mandarin oranges or other types of citrus, and others. By varying your parakeet's diet-such as not giving your parakeet the same food two days in a row-you can prevent overfeeding caused by overfeeding the same type of food.
- Try tucking apple or carrot pieces between the bars of the cage so your parakeet can peck at them. For large fruits or vegetables, you can first chop them using a food processor, then place the chopped fruits and vegetables in your bird's food bowl.
- Almost all fresh vegetables and fruits are safe for parakeet consumption EXCEPT avocado, eggplant, apple seeds, rhubarb, tomato plant leaves and potato plant leaves. You also never give drinks containing coffee, chocolate, and alcohol to your parakeet.
Step 3. Always change food and water for your parakeet every day
Before you try to train your parakeet to be able to perch on your finger, first let it get used to its environment as well as yourself when changing food and water, and taking care of the cage.
Step 4. Give your parakeet a snack
Barley (or sprays) can be a great snack for your parakeet. But make sure that you don't give it too much millet (only give your parakeet about 1.5 centimeters long per day) because millet can make your parakeet fat, just like junk food. Also avoid overfeeding sweets and oats as both can make your parakeet fat.
Giving barley sprigs can also be a good inducement to train your parakeet to perch on your finger
Step 5. Socialize with your parakeet
Parakeets need friends so you should spend at least 90 minutes a day-though not necessarily that long-to chat or interact with your parakeet. You can also give your parakeet clicker training (the practice of using click-like sounds to encourage the animal to do something or behave well). This exercise can mentally stimulate your parakeet and encourage it to get to know you better.
- Without constant and sufficient attention, parakeets will not be interested in interacting with humans. If you keep a pair of parakeets but don't pay attention to them, they are likely to get along with each other only (regardless of gender) and ignore humans. By interacting with them, you can be considered part of their group.
- One way to interact with your parakeet is to sing along, give it a bath and if your parakeet seems to be dropping its toy quickly, pick it up and give it back. This may be a way for him to try to get you to play with him.
- Sometimes parakeets feel lonely. A good way to make her happy again is to talk to her.
- To get them to climb on your finger, lightly press their belly and say, "Get up." By saying this over and over again, they will start saying it themselves and move "up" each time they say it, which they usually do as they approach the stairs.
Step 6. Give your parakeet time to play outside
Even though your parakeet can fly in its own cage, it's a good idea to leave it outside to fly freely. Of course you should be aware of things that can harm your parakeet and close doors and windows, turn out candles, and take other preventive measures. When it's time to re-enter the cage, you can tell it to use the clicker, after your parakeet has undergone click training of course.
You may not realize that there are many things that are actually harmful to parakeets. Before removing your parakeet from its cage, make sure not only that all windows are closed, but also remove any shiny objects that could potentially harm your parakeet such as knives in the kitchen. Also, turn off the fan and don't let your parakeet on the floor, near your children or other pets. The safer the environment, the better for your parakeet
Step 7. Take care of the situation when the parakeet is sleeping so it can sleep well
Parakeets sleep for about 10 hours a day, and most of the time they sleep at night although sometimes they take a nap. When your parakeet is sleeping, try not to make too much noise. If you are listening to music or watching television, keep the sound low so as not to disturb your parakeet.
Parakeets love the feeling of security when their cage is closed at night, so you need to cover the cage with a towel or pillowcase at night
Step 8. Keep the room air temperature
Parakeets are very susceptible to drastic changes in air temperature. Although they can survive average temperatures indoors, always make sure that their cage has a shady place where they can rest. Try setting your room temperature to no higher than 27°C.
Step 9. Always be thorough and responsible in caring for your parakeet
While there's a lot to be done in caring for them, parakeets can make cute and loving companions. Most will speak and how many words they can learn will depend on you. You have to be ready to take care of him every day, as well as devote your attention and play with him. If you're not ready, you may want to consider finding a different hobby.
Tips
- If you travel a lot, make sure your parakeet has friends (buy another parakeet to make friends with) as they can feel lonely. This feeling is definitely unpleasant for socializing animals such as parakeets because in the wild, parakeets are in large groups. While you're away, you can play music (and maybe set an automatic timer to turn off the music player) to keep your parakeet from feeling lonely. In addition, soft music can help the parakeet to adapt to its new home - your home.
- When filling a grain bowl or cup, don't overfill it. Fill the grains until the bottom of the cup is filled, and not all the way through. This way you can control the quantity of food for your parakeet, and you won't waste a lot of food. This can also prevent your parakeet from digging a lot of grain in its food bowl so it doesn't spill all over the place.
- After buying a parakeet, take the bird for a vet check first. This health check should be done at least once a year. Get the results of the health check from the doctor and before you get the results from the doctor, separate the parakeet you just bought in a separate cage (if you keep more than one bird) so that the birds you have previously don't get the disease carried by the new bird. You can only put your new parakeet in the same cage as your old bird after you are sure that the bird is healthy and does not carry disease.
- Never let your parakeet look out through an open window. It can fly out and may be in danger while out there.
- There are many types of pellets available for your parakeet with a variety of flavors. You may want to try different types of pellets to find out which one your parakeet prefers. Some types look like rabbit food, or are round and look like grains. There are also types of pellets that are offered in powder form, or in crumbs such as breadcrumbs. In addition to shapes, pellets are also available in various sizes. Try cutting large pellets into various sizes, from large to small (powder), and feeding them to your parakeet. After that, see which pellet size your parakeet prefers.
- Make rope bars in the windows and/or give them a play box to play with outside the cage. You can also buy or make your own toys that your parakeet can play with or climb on when outside the cage. It's recommended to provide your parakeet with a play gym so they can still play while you're busy working on something, but make sure you don't leave them completely unattended.
- Cut and trim your bird's wings so it can't fly and run away. But be careful not to cut blood feathers (blood feathers or pin feathers), which are feathers that have a protective coating and blood flow. Also trim the nails if they are sharp. You can also cut the beak if it's too sharp using a scratching board. It's good to make cuts, ask the vet first.
- When near your parakeet, do not play loud music or make sudden movements.
- Don't let your parakeet fly or stay outside.
Warning
- After harvest, the grain is usually stored in silos. You need to know that the silo is also a place where mice eat the grain and throw their feces there. Even after washing, the bacteria produced by rat droppings will remain on the grain and cannot be removed by freezing or heating in the microwave.
- Pine sap is toxic to many tropical birds. If you have a Christmas faucet or Christmas tree made of real spruce or pine, make sure your parakeet is in a different room and away from the spruce smell. Be aware that your parakeet may be attracted by the shiny and colorful Christmas decorations.
- In their natural habitat, tropical birds spend much of their time sheltering under the natural canopy. Make sure there is a shady side in your parakeet cage to shelter your parakeet when the sun is very hot. Do not place the aviary in a place that is exposed to direct sunlight, especially if the weather is very hot.
- Don't let your parakeet play near a cat or dog, even if they seem harmless. Often a cat or dog will kill the parakeet and it is their natural instinct.
- Take precautions to keep your parakeet from escaping. You can pinch the wings and remind other family members to take care of your parakeet, close the curtains on the door or window, and think strategically to close the exit for the bird. If your parakeet escapes, it will most likely die from exposure to heat or from ignorance of the outside world.
- By nature, birds hide their illness so they don't appear vulnerable to their predators. You need to be aware of this, especially if your bird seems lethargic or is acting unusually. If your pet bird is showing signs of illness, it is most likely very sick and has had the disease for a long time. Immediately take your pet bird to the vet. Birds have high metabolisms, and without proper care their condition can get worse. It would be better if early you see the symptoms of the disease in your pet bird and treat it.
- Never give chocolate, avocado, coffee, alcoholic beverages, or salty food to your bird because these foods are toxic to your bird.
- If you allow your parakeet to soak, make sure you dry it with a towel afterwards. The general rule is that you shouldn't bathe your parakeet after 7pm so they have time to dry their feathers before they go to bed.
- Make sure that the tree you choose to take branches or trunk from is not toxic to your parakeet before you give it to your parakeet because many types of trees are actually toxic to your parakeet.
- When your parakeet is outside the cage, never leave the room window open as your parakeet may fly out through the window.
- You don't have to worry if one of your female parakeets stays in the nest more because the bird may be incubating its eggs. Don't interrupt this process as doing so may startle your parakeet and cause the eggs to crack.
